Police probing an incident in which a teenage girl was allegedly grabbed by a man with a knife have arrested a suspect

Police probing an incident in which a teenage girl was allegedly grabbed by a man with a knife have arrested a suspect.

Between 7:30pm and 7:45pm yesterday two girls, aged 14 and 16, were walking on the track which runs past Shanklea Primary School in Cramlington when they were approached by a man, who is thought to have been carrying a knife.

He is said to have walked alongside the girls for a short time before grabbing one of them.

A struggle took place and the girls managed to attract the attention of passers by.

The attacker then fled in the direction of Nairn Road.

Police say the girls were unharmed but left very shaken.

This evening a 19-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident.

Northumbria Police’s Northumberland Chief Inspector, Peter Reeve, said: “This is clearly a disturbing incident for the girls. We are speaking to witnesses.

“I’d appeal for anyone who was on the cycle track near to Shanklea primary school on Monday evening and who saw anything suspicious to get in touch.

“We have extra officers in the local area today speaking to people and carrying out enquiries. We are speaking with the victims and offering them support.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191.